Relay Pump Operations: Who Says It's Just for the Long Lay?

Featured Author:

Paul Shapiro

Paul Shapiro specializes in the research, development and training of large flow water delivery systems and fire stream management. His extensive research and outcomes of large diameter hose has been published frequently in fire service trade magazines. Paul has made significant contribution to fire response efficiency with his application-based research of large caliber fire streams working with handline and master stream operations.
Paul has been involved with the fire service since 1981, and is serving Las Vegas as an Engineer with the City of Las Vegas Fire & Rescue. In March of 2007 his department gave him the Engineer of the Year award for 2006. He is a certified Fire Instructor III for the State of Nevada, has served on the faculty of many Fire Academies throughout the United States, and was named Instructor of the Year, 1999, by the Colorado Fire Academy. Paul is recognized nationally as an expert in his field, and is also the author of the popular book, Layin’ the Big Lines as well as the producer of the video, Large Flow Water Delivery.

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The following flow tests were conducted to compare short LDH supply line evolutions supplied from a pressurized hydrant system versus a relay pump operation from the same hydrant to boost the pressure/flow. These tests were conducted with 4” and 5” supply lines, various lengths of supply line up to 500 feet, and weak, average, and strong hydrant systems. Most flows were considered to be at least satisfactory, if not better, for the initial water supply when using hydrant pressure only to move the water.

Flow Test #1

Our first flow test was conducted on what was considered to be a relatively strong hydrant system. 500 feet of 5” LDHSUPPLYHOSE with a maximum operating pressure of 185 psi was used in the evolution stretching from the hydrant to the fireground. The first part of the test used hydrant pressure only to move the water to the receiving engine.

A flow of 1050 GPM was achieved. This is a great start for a large flow water delivery operation, but not enough. Next we placed a second engine at the hydrant to relay pump to the receiving pumper. We more than doubled our flow achieving 2225 GPM. This test is a good example of maximizing a single hydrant and pumper.